Proliferate
mediumNegative toneproh-LIF-uh-rayt
verb
Definition
To increase rapidly in numbers; multiply
Memory hook
PRO-LIFER-ate: Producing LIFE rapidly -- multiplying and spreading fast.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Fast food restaurants have proliferated across the country.”
“Misinformation proliferates quickly on social media.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Fast food restaurants have ______ across the country.”
Show answer
proliferated
Categories
GRE Tip
Proliferate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "multiply" or "burgeon" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "decrease".
Related GRE Words
diffuse
to spread out widely; (as adjective) spread out and lacking concentration
augment
To make something greater by adding to it; increase
burgeon
To begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
abiding
Lasting for a long time; enduring and unchanging
abstract
Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
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